Slovakia - Judicial system

The judicial system consists of a republic-level Supreme Court as the
highest court of appeal; 8 regional courts seated in regional capitals;
and 55 local courts seated in some district capitals. The courts have
begun to form specialized sections, including commercial, civil, and
criminal branches.

The 13-member Constitutional Court reviews the constitutionality of laws
as well as the constitutional questions of lower level courts and
national and local government bodies. Until 2002, parliament nominated
and the president appointed the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court
judges, and parliament chose all other judges based on the
recommendations from the Ministry of Justice. In 2002, however,
parliament passed legislation creating a Judicial Council, composed of
judges, law professors, and other legal experts, to nominate judges. All
judges except those of the Constitutional Court are now appointed by the
president from a list proposed by the 18-member Council. The president
still appoints the Constitutional Court judges from a slate of
candidates nominated by parliament.

The constitution declares the independence of the judiciary from the
other branches of government. Judges are appointed for life, but
Constitutional Court judges serve seven-year terms.

There is also a military court system, and appeals may be taken to the
Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

Defendants in criminal cases have the right to free legal counsel and
are guaranteed a fair and open public trial.

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